I had to sign a crossed out 6 or 7 year on my ROTC contract and inital but (can't remember) 7 r 8 year contract...back in 1986-87. Went to UPT in 1988.

Then went to OV-10. About the time I was going to F-15 they changed B-course requirement from 3 to 5 years...basically pulling me over the line another 2 years.

I was mad--but signed it. I ended up staying until 14 year point active. However, some of guys caught in that same window signed "do not promote me" letters and got passed over for Major and got out in 96-98 timeframe. I remember some old guys saying "that ain't right...that's gaming the system..." However, I remember thinking that if the AF could change the rules anytime in mid-game those guys wanting to leave had to do what they had to do...

Not signing one of those letters--accepting promotion and the committment--probably led to me being "stuck" in the AF until late 2001...just in time to get hired by FedEx and join the team after 9/11. Had I bailed at original exit target, I'd probably have gone to Delta (if hired) and would still be furloughed. Sometimes when you think you are getting screwed--somebody is doing you a favor--you just don't kow it at the time.

In any case--I wish these young dudes the best--staying in or getting out....